JOB SUMMARY:  The Speech Therapist is responsible for evaluation, planning, directing, and administering speech therapy modalities of treatment for in-patients and out-patients.  The therapist assumes responsibility in the daily activities of the therapy department.  The therapist participates in operations aspects of the department.  Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis.  Participates in all infection control, department equipment training, organizational safety, and fire programs.

AGES OF PATIENTS SERVED:  These are identified as neonate, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates and monitors speech-language skills and swallow function as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors.
• Reviews individual file to obtain background information prior to evaluation to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available.
• Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing, speech and cognitive tests.
• Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Reviews treatment plan and assesses individual performance to modify, change or write new programs.
• Maintains records as required by law, hospital’s policy, and administrative regulations.
• Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech-swallow and provides ways to practice new essential duty satisfactorily.
• Plans, directs, or conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative and swallowing efficiency of individuals with communication/dysphagia problems of organic and nonorganic etiology.
• Provides counseling and guidance and language/swallow development therapy to disabled individuals.
• Schedules patients for treatment and evaluations.
• Maintains inventory of materials and supplies.
• Respects and understands the patient’s right to treatment and right to involvement in the treatment decisions.
• Practices ethical responsibility based on the cultural, ethnic, and religious beliefs of the patients served and applicable law.
• Possesses interpersonal skills needed to function in a “team” setting.
• Creates a positive, supportive working atmosphere.
  Works in harmony with assigned co-workers and other department’s staff.
• Communicates with physicians, other departmental staff, patients, and family members regarding patient progress, problems, and plan.
• Instructs patient, family members or other caregivers in therapeutic procedures and/or exercises to be continued upon discharge.
• Assists in the referral process when additional services are required.
• Accepts and responds to constructive criticism and suggestions and strives for self-improvements.
• Consults with other members of rehabilitation team to select activity program consistent with needs and capabilities of individual and to coordinate speech therapy with other therapeutic activities.
• Accepts and performs assigned duties in a cooperative manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change.
• Displays self-respect and pride in the institution.
• Demonstrates behavior that reflects the image of the institution.
• Maintains and promotes a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates kindness, courteousness, and sensitivity to patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and visitors at all times.
• Assists in other areas as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality as defined by the hospital’s policy.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• Arrives at work on time and when scheduled.
• Accepts responsibility for one’s own mistakes.
• Performs quality work in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Produces a high volume of assigned work.
• Demonstrates flexibility, initiative, and ingenuity in performing job tasks.
• Maintains personal hygiene and appearance appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrates professional conduct.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  Possesses interpersonal skills needed to function in a “team” setting.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Must be a graduate of an accredited school of speech therapy and eligible for licensure with the State of Kansas.

Required Certification/Registration:  Must have current license, certification, or registration with the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

Labeled as: speech